Newsweek's Pearson to Go to Time Next Month
Diana Pearson, communications director at Newsweek, will leave her post April 8 to become public affairs director at Time. Time's call to hire Pearson - who said she decided to go to Time after she was made an "irresistible" offer - has turned some heads in the industry because Pearson hasn't been shy in dishing out criticism aimed at Time during her decade-long stint at Newsweek.
Pearson told PR NEWS she accepted the job for two reasons: because she'll be able to help Time, which is marking its 75th year, and because "you're tempted to look over a high wall to see the beautiful house behind it." (Diana Pearson, 212/445-4342)
Hermanoff Named to Council
Sandra M. Hermanoff has been appointed to The Ohio State University's Advisory Council of the School of Journalism. Hermanoff is president of PR house Hermanoff & Associates, Farmington Hills and Detroit. The council consists of 30 Ohio State journalism graduates. (H&A, 810/851-3993)
Press Aide Joins Porter Novelli
Tony Blankley, a seven-year-veteran of House Speaker Newt Gingrich's political team, has joined Porter Novelli, Washington, D.C., as a consultant providing communications counsel and advice. Blankley, Gingrich's former press secretary, will serve as a member of the PR firm's Public Affairs Advisory Board. (Porter Novelli, 202/973-5888)